Commissioner Stuart McWhorter
Joda Thongnopnua
Dr. Erwin Gianchandani
The UTC Research Institute and the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress will host the inaugural Chattanooga Connect 2024 Oct. 21-23 at the University Center on the campus of UTC. Chattanooga Connect will bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, technologists, and researchers to explore the future of urban transportation and cutting-edge advancements in digital infrastructure, AI, and connected and automated vehicles.
Speakers at the event will include:
Stuart C. McWhorter, Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner. Commissioner McWhorter has overseen nearly 160 projects resulting in over 21,700 job commitments and $10.9 billion in capital investments since 2022, and brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and strategic planning.
Joda Thongnopnua, special advisor for the Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate at the U.S. National Science Foundation. Mr. Thongnopnua is responsible for leading efforts in delivering on the CHIPS and Science Act, building intergovernmental partnerships to support America’s leadership in critical technology areas like quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Mr. Thongnopnua was formerly the chief of staff and chief policy officer to Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.
Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for the NSF’s newly established TIP Directorate. Dr. Gianchandani has been instrumental in developing NSF's focus on high-impact research areas, including health information technology and sustainable computing. He previously led the Computing Community Consortium and has earned the prestigious Distinguished Presidential Rank Award for his sustained contributions to federal research initiatives.
Other confirmed speakers and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Chattanooga Connect 2024 is an opportunity for researchers, industry partners, and policymakers who are passionate about the future of urban mobility,” says Dr. Mina Sartipi, director of CUIP. “Those who attend this event will be at the forefront of discussions that will determine where connected and automated vehicle technologies, AI, and smart city innovations go as we move forward. A smarter, more sustainable, more connected future starts here at Chattanooga Connect 2024.”
Registrations are open now, and limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit go.utc.edu/Chattanooga-Connect for more information.